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850-378-2500

6705 Pine Forest Rd - Suite 300
Pensacola, FL  32526
Fax : 850-807-5071

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Boat Insurance

What does Boat Insurance cover?

Most boat policies cover physical damage to the hull, sails, machinery, furnishings, and most other equipment that is normally used on board. Most dangers are covered including vandalism, malicious mischief, and damage which results from collision or sinking.

Insurance needs differ depending on the type, age, or value of the boat or watercraft you own. Your policy will explain in detail what is covered and what is specifically excluded.

What about Liability Coverage for your boat policy?

You are also insured against liability losses. You are covered for damage you may cause to another boat, yacht, personal water craft, sailboat or dock, and for bodily injury or death to another person while operating your vessle.

Under most boat policies, the boat trailer is covered against physical loss or damage from any external cause.

What additional coverage is included on a boat policy?

You may purchase optional coverages, such as:

• Coverage for your personal property
• Coverage for your fishing equipment
• Coverage against injury to you caused by an uninsured boater

What types of boats can we help you insure?

• Bow Rider - Open bow type of boat with seating. They are best suited for use in lakes and inland waterways.
  
  
• Center Consoles - Single decked open hull boats with the operator's console (helm) in the center of the boat. Work great as fishing boats. Most are powered by outboard motors.
  
  
• Cuddy Cabin - A boat that contains a small cabin in the bow..
  
  
• Walk Around - Cross between center console and a cuddy boat. Generally used as fishing boats and they contain a small cabin.
  
  
• Ski Boats - Flat bottom, high torque boats designed to safely tow water skiers. Powered by high-horsepower engines.
  
  
• Pontoon - Relatively inexpensive, flat hulls that sit on pontoons. Commonly referred to as "party boats". Should only be used in calm inland waters.
  
  
• Jet Boats - Propelled by a jet of water ejected from the back of the craft. Come in a variety of sizes.
  
  
• Personal Watercraft (PWC) - A watercraft used for recreational purposes that you sit or stand on. Often referred to as WaveRunner, Jet Ski or Sea Doo which are actually brand names.
  
  
• Sailboats - A boat propelled partially or entirely by sails. Can be used for racing, sport or just cruising.
  
  
• Bass Boats - A small, flat bottom boat used primarily for bass fishing in inland waters. They are often equipped with swivel chairs for easy casting.
  
  
• Commercial Vessels and P&I
  
  
• Private Pleasure Craft from $50,000 to $200,000,000.
  
  
• Cargo Commercial Fishing
  
  
• Charter International Risks

Is my boat covered when it's not in the water?

It's covered if you have physical damage (comprehensive and collision) coverage.  Liability, Uninsured Motorist and Medical Payments coverages only respond when your boat is in the water.

If I am in an accident while towing my boat who pays for the
damages?

If your boat is damaged your boat policy will respond if you have physical damage (comprehensive and collision) coverage on your policy.

Simply call 850-378-2500 or complete our online quote request form.Your local GreatFlorida Boat Insurance Agent in Florida will help you find the best deal for you.

Get a Quote Online

About Boat Insurance in West Pensacola, FL

A subtropical climate with almost 1,200 miles of coastline creates the ideal conditions for boat owners in West Pensacola, FL. GreatFlorida Boat Insurance will dissipate your worries so you can relax and have safe fun on the water.

Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance West Pensacola, FL offers customized boat insurance policies to guard against unexpected damages, replacement and liability.  Whether you plan to fish, water ski or enjoy the sunset, we cover many different boats with optional coverage to reflect your lifestyle.

Boat Insurance will give you peace of mind while you are out on the water. GreatFlorida Insurance offers boat owners in West Pensacola a variety of protection from the risks of owning, operating and towing your boat.

GreatFlorida Boat Insurance provides coverage to jet skis, sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, ski boats and more. GreatFlorida Insurance carries top notch marine insurance policies to protect your vessel. Contact Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance today and our they will get to work for you with a simple, free quote.

Whether you currently own a boat, yacht, personal water craft, sailboat or are a prospective buyer, Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance West Pensacola, FL can help you find the right Boat Insurance policy at the right price.

GreatFlorida Insurance shops all the major carriers in West Pensacola, to find the best policy and the best rate. Easy, Low-Cost and Worry Free. That's the GreatFlorida Insurance promise.

Simply call 850-378-2500 or complete our online quote request form.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

11/20/2018

Tuesday, November 27, marks the seventh year of #Giving Tuesday. #Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. It is a day to celebrate and encourage donations and volunteer activities that support charities and non-profit organizations.

“Getting involved with a charity in your community is a valuable investment,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

The #Giving Tuesday website provides a directory to help you find charities and events in your community participating. Actually, thousands of organizations across Florida are participating. They are championing a variety of causes such as caring for seniors, displaced people, children, animals, charities trying to eradicate disease and abuses, those fighting for environmental issues and much more.

Ways to Participate:

• Donate to your favorite charity or non-profit.
• Volunteer your time at a local organization.
• Start your own fundraiser on Facebook. The #Giving Tuesday website walks you through instructions.
• Do something kind- pay an elderly relative a visit, bake cookies for a neighbor or offer to sweep sick friend’s driveway.
• Document your activity on social media and spread the good cheer!

The entire family can participate. Teaching children the importance of generosity benefits them. They become less self-focused, while connecting with the world and the needs of others.

Giving enhances the life of the receiver as well as the giver, making our world a more compassionate place.

“Thanksgiving is an ideal time to express my gratitude to our phenomenal independent agents and their staff for all their hard work to make GreatFlorida Insurance a success. Also, a big thanks to all our customers. It is our honor and pleasure to serve you and your families,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

GreatFlorida Insurance is ready to protect your house and family with reliable homeowners insurance. Give us a call for a free quote today.

The post Get into the Holiday Spirit With #Giving Tuesday appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

11/13/2018

Holiday Spending Forecast

Holiday sales are likely to surpass the trillion dollar mark this year for the first time ever, according to eMarketer, a market research company. They anticipate a 5.8 percent increase compared to last year, marking the strongest growth in holiday spending since 2011. The surge in spending is attributed to low unemployment and strong income growth, translating into greater consumer confidence.

“With retailers anticipating more spending, shoppers can find plenty of deals,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Thanksgiving Store Closures

So, can shoppers enjoy Thanksgiving Day, without feeling like they are missing out on a bargain? This year nearly 100 popular national and regional retailers will not be open on Thanksgiving Day. Website, bestblackfriday.com, has a comprehensive list of store closings, including, Costco, Publix, TJX Group (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods) and Home Depot.

In a survey conducted this year, the website found 24 percent of Americans favor Thanksgiving openings, while over 47 percent dislike Thanksgiving openings. Bestblackfriday.com discovered the common theme of “family-time” cited as the reason most retailers remain closed on the holiday.

When to Purchase

However, closing one day still leaves plenty of days for shopping. “Planning ahead seems the best way to get the most for your money,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.

While many retailers are already offering great bargains, the biggest deals will most likely be found on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, will you still be able to find what are looking for if you wait until then? Adobe Analytics tracks online shopping and has come out with their annual holiday forecast. Their recommendations, if you have a specific item you want to purchase, buy it before Thanksgiving.

Adobe Analytics’ findings include:

Best Days for Deals

11/22, Thanksgiving-sports goods

11/23, Black Friday-electronics (including tablets), TV’s and computers

11/25, Sunday-apparel, appliances, jewelry

11/26, Cyber Monday-toys

11/27, Giving Tuesday-furniture and bedding

 

The post Strategic Holiday Shopping appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

10/31/2018

For some drivers, vehicle longevity is paramount in selecting a car. Determined to capitalize on their investment, they will drive their cars into the ground.

“With regular maintenance, most cars last up to 100,000 miles,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance agency.  Also, Consumer Reports says, the typical age of cars on the road is 11 years. On average, 1.2 percent of cars built every year makes it past 200,000 miles.

However, some cars far surpass the 100,000-mile mark and keep going. Researchers with the automotive website, iSeeCars.com, have complied a list of vehicles that are most likely to continue running well past 200,000 miles.

The data is based on analysis of over 13.5 million cars on the road, sold during 2017, from model years 1981 through 2017 with over 200,000 miles logged. The list is mostly comprised of larger vehicles, seven out of 10 vehicles most likely to pass 200,000 miles are SUV’s.

10. Honda Odyssey

9. Toyota Avalon

8. Toyota Tacoma

7. GMC Yukon

6. Chevrolet Tahoe

5. GMC Yukon XL

4. Toyota 4Runner

3. Chevrolet Suburban

2. Ford Expedition

1. Toyota Sequoia

“Most of the vehicles on the list are constructed with real durability, which must be a factor,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent car insurance agency.

Perhaps more triumphant than hitting the 200,000-mile mark are the vehicles iSeeCars.com, expects are likely to reach 300,000 miles. They include, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition and the Toyota Tacoma.

Noticeably absent from the list are luxury cars. “Typically, luxury models have fewer cars that achieve the 200,000-mile milestone because these cars are often leased with contracts requiring lessees to keep the miles down,” says iSeeCars.com, CEO Phong Ly.

The longest-lasting luxury vehicles to meet or exceed 200,000 miles include, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Cadillac Escalade, Acura MDX and Volvo XC 90.

If you are looking for dependable and affordable car insurance, give GreatFlorida Insurance a call today.

The post Vehicles that run for over 200,000 miles appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

10/17/2018

Hurricane Michael was the 3rd most powerful storm to hit the U.S. The storm quickly escalated to a category 4 hurricane, making it the worst in almost a century. National Geographic reports, Michael had the three most critical characteristics for a hurricane to gain strength and make a big impact. Those include, warm waters, low wind shear (a change in wind speed or direction in a short distance) and a tight core, keeping the storm intact.

“In a span of 48 hours we watched the tropical storm grow to a worst-case scenario,” recounts Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance company.

While it has been a week since Michael made landfall, the impact was so devastating, crews are still searching for survivors in the hardest hit areas. Hundreds remain in shelters and over 100,000 are still without power. Many are dependent on food and water being air dropped to their areas. Bay county schools are closed indefinitely for over 26,000 students. Cell phone service is spotty, and it is difficult to fill a gas tank. To support victims, Verizon announced it would give a three-month credit to every Verizon customer in Bay and Gulf counties.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has established a website, floridadisaster.org, for storm victims, as an information hub. The website includes a list of open shelters, instructions on how to apply for disaster assistance, emergency supply distribution locations, updated curfews for each county, family reunification, boil water notices, debris reporting, insurance resources, available gas stations, power outage details, school closures, traffic, weather, a list of open camping areas, rumor control and more.

“At GreatFlorida Insurance, we are making every effort to provide our customers with a quick response so they can piece their lives back together,” says Ellsworth Buck Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance company.

Gov. Rick Scott, issued an emergency order that ensures additional protections to Florida insurance policy holders. According to the Insurance Journal, the order requires that insurers perform the following.

• Freeze any rate hikes for 90 days.
• Provide an additional 90 days to policyholders to supply required information to their insurance company.
• Rescind for 90 days, all non-renewals or cancellations issued to policyholders in the days leading up to Hurricane Michael. This gives policyholders 90 days to either renew their insurance policy or find a new insurance policy.

For those interested in helping financially, Charity Navigator has highly rated the following charities. They will help by providing food, shelter, medical care and other necessities to victims of the storm.

Team Rubicon, https://teamrubiconusa.org

Samaritan’s Purse, https://www.samaritanspurse.org

All Hands and Hearts- Smart Response, https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/programs/hurricane-michael-relief/

Direct Relief, https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/hurricane-michael/

Many good Samaritans have packed up trucks with food and supplies to come and aid storm victims utilizing their own resources.

The post Hurricane Michael- What is being done? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

10/9/2018

Driving in the rain is stress inducing.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, it is more dangerous to drive on a rainy day than a snowy one. Most weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement-70 percent and during rainfall-46 percent.

“Sometimes rain seems like no big deal, but it’s a good idea to follow safe driving techniques when driving in inclement weather,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

Slow down and keep calm

When the weather takes a turn for the worst and you must get behind the wheel, make sure you are alert and attentive. Reduce distractions. Also, even if it is raining during the day, it is a good idea to turn on your headlights to increase visibility. Keep your pace slow and steady. Leave plenty of extra space between you and the car in front of you, five seconds is advised.

Avoid hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is the biggest risk to driving on wet pavement. It occurs when a layer of too much water gets between the road and your tire, preventing the tire’s tread to properly grip the road.

“Rotating your tires and maintaining proper tire pressure will keep you tires it good condition, this helps prevent hydroplaning,” reminds says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency.

To prevent hydroplaning, avoid the outer lanes of the road where excess water accumulates.  Also, drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. Another word of caution, turn-off cruise control. Cruise control causes you to lose control on wet surfaces. If you hydroplane while in cruise control, your car will accelerate.

Popular Mechanics recommends, “If you start to hydroplane, keep both hands on the steering wheel and gradually apply the brakes. Slamming on the brakes or jerking the wheel can cause a skid.”

Water and wind

Keep a firm grip on the wheel if it is windy.  Be aware of vehicles around you, larger vehicles are more susceptible to high winds and could have trouble staying in their lane.

When it comes to standing water, avoid driving through a puddle with an unknown depth. If you are confident the puddle is only and couple of inches, slow down before coming to it and do not brake until you drive out of it.

Motorcycles

For those riding on motorcycles, be sure to wear proper gear especially for your feet and hands. Likewise, invest in a clear, anti-fog faceshield or goggles.

GreatFlorida Insurance offers reliable and affordable car insurance as well as motorcycle insurance. Contact us today!

The post Avoid driving like a maniac in bad weather appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

10/2/2018

It’s fall in Florida, that means, football, pumpkin-spice and flu shots. October just started and there are already confirmed cases of the flu.

Last year, 80,000 people died from the flu in the U.S. The largest number of casualties in four decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Americans made 900,000 hospital visits. The CDC also reports last year’s flu season, was the most severe since the pandemic in 2009.

“There is really no reason to avoid a flu shot this year,” comments Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance agency in Florida. “It’s readily available, quick and for most people free.”

The Florida Department of Health recommends everyone over the age of six months old receive a flu shot by the end of October. The flu vaccine is convenient to get and available at most pharmacies such as CVS, Publix and Walgreens, walk-in clinics, public health facilities and your doctor’s office.

“Many health insurance companies cover the cost of the flu vaccine, but in case, check with your insurance beforehand to see if your plan requires your shot from a particular office or location,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent health insurance agency.

The Florida Department of Health reports, “Influenza or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. The “flu” is a common catch-all term used for a variety of illnesses, but it correctly applies only to the upper respiratory diseases caused by the influenza virus.”

While, getting a flu shot will not guarantee you will not get the flu, research shows people who receive the vaccination experience less severe complications. A CDC study in 2017, showed that vaccination reduced flu deaths among children with high-risk medical conditions by half and among healthy children by about two-thirds.

To keep updated of national and state flu activity, check out the Florida Health Department’s web page at: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/index.html.

GreatFlorida Insurance is committed to helping Floridians stay healthy. Our experienced agents can offer you and your family quality health insurance policies to fit your needs while staying within your budget. Call us at 888-478-7801 or go online to www.greatflorida.com for a free quote today.

 

 

 

The post Think you don’t need a flu shot? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

9/19/2018

Last year, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) reports 42,889 motor vehicles were stolen across the state. “Quite often, stolen cars are not recovered and if they are, they are not without damage,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent auto insurance agency.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released its annual Hot Wheels report identifying, the 10 most stolen vehicles in the U.S. during 2017.  The NICB also breaks down their research by the top stolen cars in each state.

Listed below are the vehicles and the most popular year stolen in Florida last year. Is yours a favorite among thieves?

1. Ford Pickup (Full size) 2006
2.  Nissan Altima 2016
3. Toyota Camry 2017
4. Honda Accord  2017
5. Toyota Corolla 2016
6. Honda Civic 2016
7. Chevrolet Pickup (Full size) 2006
8. Hyundai Sonata 2010
9. Dodge Pickup (Full size) 2005
10. Hyundai Elantra 2017

While anti-theft technology is an effective deterrent, beware of complacency. The NICB reports that thousands of vehicles continue to be stolen each year due to owner negligence. Many cars are taken because drivers leave their keys or fobs in the vehicle. According to the FBI, 25 percent of cars stolen in Florida had the keys in the ignition.

If your car is stolen, take the following steps. First, determine for sure that your car has been stolen. Make sure it was not towed or borrowed by someone without them asking for permission.

Once this is determined, call the police. “The police will need your vehicle identification number, VIN, which can be found on your car insurance ID card,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.  The police will also need your license plate number, a description of the vehicle and any additional information your car may have such as GPS or telematics information. You will also need to fill out a police report, required by most insurance companies.

Next, contact your insurance agent. The insurance company will walk you through the information they need to file a claim on your behalf. If you are leasing or financing the vehicle, you will need to also contact the lender.

Make sure you are covered if your car is stolen with comprehensive car insurance from GreatFlorida Insurance. Contact an agent in your area today.

 

The post The most stolen cars in Florida appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.